Let me start out by saying that I'm a newbie. I've been reading the forums and watching the bidding for about a month now. I decided to jump into the mix and I've recently won a couple of bids. The first was a Padron/Otterbox combo. I was planning to stop there, but decided to bid on a 10-pack sampler and see what happens. Needless to say, I expect to receive the 10-pack by the end of the week.

Now I had a problem...I don't have a humidor. I had been reading about making a coolerdor and thought it was a great idea, so I went about collecting the necessary materials. I decided to use a small cooler that I already owned. I purchased a digital hygrometer and ordered some PG from my local pharmacy. This past weekend, I purchased the wet oasis from Wal-Mart and that's where I need some experienced help. I noticed that the label on the oasis says that it contains "floral preservatives". My question is, did I buy the right thing and is it safe for my cigars?

Sorry for the long story, but I had to tell somebody what's been going on. My fiance has been asking about the purchases that have been showing up on our credit card statement. She hasn't put it together yet, but I fear the gig will be up when the 10-pack arrives, so it's important that I get my coolidor built ASAP. At least then I'll be able to show her how much money I saved by building a coolerdor rather than buying an expensive himidor. Although....this strategy only seems to work when she uses it.

** edited due to competitor reference

I think you bought the wrong stuff. I think you will find it emits an obtrusive odor. Get a brick of Oasis without the preservative.

Good luck with the future Mrs. Handy

Yep...what he said, and welcome to the insanity!

It only gets worse! But, it also gets to be more and more fun! Enjoy!

Dave

Handy wrote: "Although....this strategy only seems to work when she uses it."

So, you've only been lurking for a month and you have already found enlightenment!

Welcome to the asylum.

Thanks, I'll check my local craft shop tonight. I'm glad I asked.

Another reason to get my coolerdor built is I'm hoping to keep my stash "out of site...out of mind".

p.s. Sorry for the competitor reference. My hands have been duly slapped....OW.

I've been using that Wal-Mart stuff for 3 yrs with no noticable effect at all. It has no odor and works fine. I noticed it when I was setting up my 2nd coolerdor. I had aready had it in my 1st one for 6 months. No problems at all.

Here's some info on the floral foams that I used while I was a florist. It's a long link, but'll take you right it. No mention of floral preservatives added that I could see.

http://www.smithersoasis.com/us/floral/products/showproduct.php?indexby=cat&market=everyday&cat=floral+foams&subcat=&prodid=&div=F&full=0 

Floral preservatives generally are antibacterial and have some sort of added "flower food" such as sugars.

I use the plain old oasis in my sweatordor. But I have to change it out frequently due to getting moldy... can't explain that one, maybe since I haven't used the PG 50/50 solution and/or distilled water lately...

I'd suggest mooching a little piece off of a local flower shop...I'd give a brick away if asked...very inexpensive...don't see why they wouldn't...or at least for a buck or two tops...

Nice to meet you and wish you the best in staying out of "trouble"...LOL! I always seem to be busted here...

;)

Marla

Also check out this floral preservation site (the biggie in the floral industry) www.floralife.com...go to the "consumer" link and click FAQs...this is in part what you'll find:

Q: Is Floralife Fresh Flower Food toxic?

A: Floralife Fresh Flower Food has been certified non-toxic, but is not intended for ingestion by humans and/or animals. Follow all label directions and keep out of reach of children.

Marla

You only seem to be 'busted' here in all your picture posts ...

... 'wink' ...

Thanks for all of the feedback...I really appreciate it. I'm glad to be a part of such a friendly group.

I didn't get to the craft store last night, but will do so today. Marla - thanks for the offer, I may need to take you up on it if I can't find any.

Funny thing happened last night....the pharmicist called to tell me my PG was in....my significant other played the phone messages. She asked me what I ordered, but we started talking about something else, so she dropped it. I won't be able to hide my new hobby much longer....

Handy.... If you are building a coolerdor... check out walmart... they have 120 qt coolers for 39 bucks. Also take a look at the climax beads.... they work too ...

Oh boy, besides the thread jack, Slim fell for it!!! LOL!

I gotta luv ya man...

Handy, good luck and keep me posted...

Marla

I wish I would've mentioned Climmax media as well, but it sounds as though your committed on the PG. If it were me, I would cut my losses and order some Climmax...

In fact, I did just that shortly after setting up 5 humidors with 50/50...

And I've never looked back.